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Hospital

SSM Health

Kristina Dreifuerst

Ray Bray

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Laura S. Kaiser leads SSM Health, a Catholic not-for-profit health system serving communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. Headquartered in St. Louis, SSM Health includes 23 hospitals, more than 290 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, 12 post-acute facilities, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. The 40,000 team members and more than 11,000 providers at SSM Health are committed to delivering exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.

Ms. Kaiser joined SSM Health in May 2017, bringing 30+ years of experience in health care strategy, improving clinical quality, fueling innovation, driving performance and growth, creating partnerships and leading change while fostering a healthy culture.

Ms. Kaiser previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also served at Ascension Health in a number of senior leadership roles including Regional Executive for the Gulf Coast/Florida region and President/Chief Executive Officer at Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Florida.

Ms. Kaiser currently chairs the Catholic Health Association and Navitus Health Solutions boards. She also serves on several boards including the Joint Commission Resources, Embold Health, Merit Medical Systems and the Scottsdale Institute.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri, and Master of Business Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration degrees from Saint Louis University.

Laura S. Kaiser

Carter Dredge is the current Chief Transformation Officer at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Carter has been in this position since September 2017 and is responsible for leading [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)'s transformation journey from a traditional, fee-for service health care system to a national leader in population health and value based care. This includes accountability for Strategy, Business Development, Innovation, Population Health, Advanced Payment Models, Virtual Care and Advanced Analytics.

Previously, Carter was the Administrative Director of Business Development at St. Vincent Health System - Catholic Health Initiatives from June 2011 to February 2013. In this role, they directed value-based care delivery and payment model innovation for the system; including bundled payments, shared-savings models, clinical redesign efforts, and population-based analytics. Carter also led major efforts in physician practice and hospital acquisitions, market analyses, and interfaced with both public and private payors as it related to future payment reform and care transformation.

Carter Dredge has a Doctor of Business from the [University of Cambridge](/org/university-of-cambridge), an MHA in Health Administration from [Cornell University](/org/cornell-university), and a B.S. in Corporate Finance from [Brigham Young University](/org/brigham-young-university).

Carter Dredge reports to Laura S. Kaiser, President & CEO. They work with Steve Smoot - COO, Patrick McCruden - Chief Mission Integration Officer, and John Nguyen - Chief Strategy Officer.

Carter Dredge

Steven Smoot is currently the Chief Operating Officer at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Steve has held this position since June of 2018. Prior to their current role, Steven served as the Associate Chief Operating Officer at [Intermountain Healthcare](/org/intermountain-healthcare-inc) from December 2000 to June 2018. In this role, they were responsible for the operations of all 24 of Intermountain's Hospitals. Prior to their time at [Intermountain Healthcare](/org/intermountain-healthcare-inc), Steven served as the CEO of Brim Healthcare from January 1998 to December 2000 and as the Assistant Administrator at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System from January 1997 to December 1998. Steven began their career as a Corporate Finance Analyst at Ford Motor Company from January 1996 to December 1997.

Steve Smoot has a Bachelor of Science from [Weber State University](/org/weber-state-university) in Health/Health Care Administration/Management and a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business in Business Administration and Management, General.

Steve Smoot works with Patrick McCruden - Chief Mission Integration Officer, Randy Combs - CFO, and Janet Smith-Hill - CHRO. Steve Smoot reports to Laura S. Kaiser, President & CEO.

Steve Smoot

Ron Schaetzl is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Prior to this, they worked as an Assistant Administrator at St. Paul Elder Services, Inc. from January 1999 to December 2001. Before that, they were a Research Analyst at The Catholic Health Association of the United States from January 1998 to December 1999.

Ron Schaetzl has a MHA from Saint Louis University and a BS from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Health/Health Care Administration/Management. Ron also has a certification in Nursing Home Administrator.

Ron Schaetzl

Julia Randles is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Julia was previously the Marketing and Event Coordinator at Dells Raceway Park from July 2007 to September 2010.

Julia Randles attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where they earned their Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).

Julia Randles

Dona Hohensee is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Dona has been in this position since January 2016. Prior to this, they were the Sr. Director of Financial Development at the YMCA of Dane County from January 2016 to January 2018. Before that, Hohensee worked as a Provider Services Representative at Meriter UnityPoint Health from February 2010 to January 2016. 

Hohensee has also worked for the [American Cancer Society](/org/american-cancer-society) as an Area Patient Services from January 2008 to December 2010 and Manager of Volunteer Services at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital from January 2000 to December 2006.

Dona Hohensee holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the [University of Phoenix](/org/university-of-phoenix-inc).

Dona Hohensee


As Chief Strategy Officer of [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health), John Nguyen is responsible for short- and long-term strategic positioning, which includes strategic planning, business development, new ventures, affiliations, major partnerships and ongoing transformation. He also oversees digital health, marketing and communications, advocacy and philanthropy across the four-state system.

Mr. Nguyen, who previously served as the health system’s Chief Marketing Officer, brings nearly 20 years of experience to the role. He first joined [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) in 2010 as Creative/Communications Manager and has held several progressive leadership roles since that time. Prior to SSM Heath, he worked for Catholic Charities, Missouri’s largest social service provider, where he oversaw strategy for multiple development, marketing and communications projects. At the Missionary Association, Mr. Nguyen developed national and international campaigns to support global humanitarian and pastoral efforts. Also, Mr. Nguyen has served as a marketing, communications and web consultant for a number of St. Louis regional and national companies, including Magellan Health Services, A.G. Edwards & Sons, and the Saint Louis Zoo. In 2005, he was honored by the Catholic Press Association for Individual Excellence.

Mr. Nguyen received bachelor's degrees in communications/journalism and English composition from [Truman State University](/org/truman-state-university) in Kirksville, Mo., and a Master of Business Administration from [Webster University](/org/webster-university) in St. Louis.

John Nguyen

As Chief Community Health Officer, Alexander Garza, MD, is responsible for deepening [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s focus on social determinants of health, equity and social justice, as well as supporting the work of [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s transition to population health.

Dr. Garza has decades of experience in public health, quality and safety and policy development. He has organized and led [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic before assuming the role of Incident Commander for the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, overseeing the region’s coordinated response efforts.

Dr. Garza became Chief Community Health Officer in August 2020, after serving as Chief Medical Officer since 2018, overseeing quality, patient safety, clinical analytics. Prior to this role, he served as [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s Chief Quality Officer, as well as Chief Medical Officer for the St. Louis region.

Board-certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Garza has over 13 years practicing and teaching in higher education. Before joining [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health), he was an Associate Dean and Professor at the Saint Louis University College of Public Health and Social Justice. He has published numerous scientific papers on original research in peer reviewed journals and lectured nationally and internationally.

Previously, he served as Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer to the [U.S. Department of Homeland Security](/org/the-department-of-homeland-security). He legislated health, medical and biodefense authority for the DHS and played a critical role in protecting the US from threats of terrorism. Dr. Garza is also a Colonel with over 20 years of service in the US Army Reserves. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and serves as the Command Surgeon for the 352 Civil Affairs Command. He has received numerous awards for his service including the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.

Dr. Garza received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, a medical degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a master’s degree in Public Health from Saint Louis University.

Alexander Garza

Mary Dressen

John Alt

Brittany de la O

Sharilyn Munneke

William Springer

William Schendt

Daniel Peterson is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Daniel previously worked as a Clinical Nurse Educator at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) Saint Louis University Hospital from January 2016 to March 2022.

Daniel Peterson has a Masters in Nursing from Saint Louis University and a degree from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis.

Daniel Peterson

Mitchell Pelsue

Mark Lanser

Timothy Axe

Mary Arndt

Paul Arinze

Phil Whitehead

Betsy Reimer

Karen Cain

As Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Janet Smith-Hill is responsible for the direction and oversight of SSM Health’s Human Resources teams, securing the system’s position as a top employer across its four-state network. Ms. Smith-Hill sets the course for system-wide human resources activities, with oversight of market HR partners, total rewards, talent acquisition, HR operations (people services and HR technology), diversity and inclusion, talent management, including learning and organizational development, and employee/labor relations. She’s also focused on ensuring SSM Health achieves exceptional engagement and well-being for all employees.

Ms. Smith-Hill became Interim Chief Human Resources Officer of SSM Health in August 2020. Throughout her 30-year career as a transformational leader, Ms. Smith-Hill has focused on modeling values-based leadership; exhibiting strategic business partnering; delivering high-impact talent solutions; fostering organizational health and culture change; promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; implementing forward-thinking performance management initiatives; and cultivating positive and engaging workplace environments.

Prior to joining SSM Health, Ms. Smith-Hill served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Novant Health, a four-state integrated delivery system headquartered in North Carolina. She played a key role in shaping culture and improving organizational effectiveness for the system’s nearly 30,000 employees. Ms. Smith-Hill has also served in nursing administration and leadership roles for other healthcare organizations, including Aetna Health Plans and Duke Health.

Ms. Smith-Hill received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and her master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She is also a Certified Professional Coach through the Academy for Creative Coaching, an ICF-ACTP Accredited organization.

Janet Smith-Hill

Todd Shuman

Patrick McCruden

Douglas Long is the current General Counsel at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Douglas has held this position since September 2019. Prior to that, they were a shareholder at Hall Render from January 1992 to September 2019. Douglas was also an attorney at Sommer Barnard PC from January 1986 to December 1992.

Douglas Long has a J.D. from [Harvard University](/org/harvard) and a B.S. from Indiana University Bloomington. Douglas has been practicing law for over 20 years and is currently a partner at a law firm in Indianapolis.

Their manager is Laura S. Kaiser, President & CEO. They work with Steve Smoot - COO, Patrick McCruden - Chief Mission Integration Officer, and Carter Dredge - Chief Transformation Officer.

Douglas Long

As Interim Chief Financial Officer, Randy Combs is responsible for the direction and oversight of all of [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s financial services, including long-term positioning, operational finance, financial and regulatory reporting, internal audit, financial planning, capital management, bond financing and investment activities, across [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s four-state network.

Mr. Combs has more than 30 years of experience in health care finance, strategic planning, managed care contracting and revenue cycle management. Mr. Combs comes from [Navvis](/org/navvis), [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health)’s population health partner, where he is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Prior to joining [Navvis](/org/navvis), Mr. Combs served in Chief Financial Officer roles at Mercy and KentuckyOne Health.

Randy Combs

Adam Tierney

Daniel Hounchell

Sarah A. Groessl

Michael Foley

Troy Walker

Laura Walczak is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Laura previously worked at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) in a variety of roles.

Laura Walczak

Dave Taylor

Jennifer Sagissor

Teresa Jacobson is the current Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Teresa previously worked at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) in a variety of roles.

Teresa Jacobson has a bachelors of science in nursing from the [University of Phoenix](/org/university-of-phoenix-inc).

Teresa Jacobson

Brent Gasser

Tim Gantz

Dave Abagan

Matt Schaefer

Merije Ajvazi

Joan Fordham

Craig Philipp

Jennifer Gavinski

Gregory Collins

Patricia Spragg

Sean Baxter

Christopher Roe

Kellye Golden

Dina M. Boyle

Jessica Flesch Buye

Paul Cuta

Sam Geraci

Frank D. Byrne

Sarah Kuemmel

Jeff F. Mack

Kyle Nondorf is the current director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Kyle has held various leadership positions at both [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) Care of Oklahoma and St. Anthony Hospital. Kyle has been with St. Anthony Hospital since 2009, where they started as Vice President. In 2012, they became the Regional Vice President at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) Care of Oklahoma. Kyle returned to St. Anthony Hospital in 2013 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Kyle has been with [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health) since 2019.

Kyle Nondorf

Timothy R. O’Brien

Jeannie Cullen Schultz is currently the Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health). Jeannie has worked in the medical field for many years, starting as a Development Officer at Mayo Clinic Health System from October 2007 to February 2013. After that, they became the Executive Director at JDRF International from September 2001 to January 2007. From February 2013 to May 2015, Schultz was the Fund Development Director at Independent Living Inc. Lastly, they worked as a Legislative Correspondent for United States Senator Russell Feingold from August 1997 to July 2000. Throughout their various positions, Schultz has demonstrated their dedication and expertise in the medical field, which has led their to their current position as Director at [SSM Health](/org/ssm-health).

Jeannie Cullen Schultz has a Master's degree in Public Administration from [Walden University](/org/walden-university) and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

SSM Health

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